Maritha Powell (left) and her daughter, Minnette. - George Henry

Seven months after she pleaded for help to improve her family's lifestyle, Maritha Powell, the 65-year-old grandmother, who revealed that her family survived on just $1,000 per week, has died.

Powell's story first came to light in June 2006, when an article detailing the family's struggles with a very tight budget was published. Touched by Powell's tale of determination and survival, several persons offered assistance to the family, enabling them to purchase a new stove, send Powell's granddaughter to school and generally improve their standard of living.

Powell's daughter, Minnette, told THE STAR that her mother died at the Mandeville Hospital on December 16. "She took sick at home for about two weeks and then she collapsed one Sunday morning. Wi tek her to the hospital about 8:30 and she died about 1 o' clock. The certificate seh cerebral vascular accident (stroke)."

Though finding it hard to deal with the death of her mother, Minnette told THE STAR that she was grateful for all the help they had received from the public. She also said she knew her mother was very grateful for all they had received.

Plans are being made for a January 13 funeral at the Robins Hall Seventh Day Adventist Church.